Two more weeks! How are you guys doing? These two weeks are really important and you shouldn’t waste any time. From my experience, a good exam grade can bump your final grade at least one level. Of course, if you slack off during these two weeks, you may have to retake some of your classes next year.
These two weeks are probably longer for me than anyone else. I cannot wait to go back home. I had a dream last night that I met my family and high school friends. The dream was so sweet that I didn’t wake up from it. I almost missed my 9am class today. I didn’t realize I would miss home so much. I have never told you guys about my family background. I think now is the time.
I was born in a teaching family. My grandpa and my parents are all teachers. That‘s how they figured out how to send me abroad to get a better education. Being a teacher is not the best way to earn money. My parents are not rich but they still spends thousands of thousands dollars on my tuition fee. Compared to American college students, I feel so bad that I still rely on my parents. When I was China, I heard that Americans were very independent since they were teenagers. My own experiences prove this.
All my American friends pay for college by themselves. Some of them have scholarships and some of them work hard to make the money. In China, it is a totally different culture. Because of the “one child policy”, most of the families have only one child. Parents take care of everything for us. We are a so-called “spoiled generation”. Some still live off parents’ money when they are 30’s.
In Chinese culture, family is the strongest social structure. China used to be a monarchy for thousands of years. The Imperial family can only inherit the position of being a king. Man has absolutely all the power in a family. A son has to obey his father. Because of this, lots of businesses in China are family businesses. It passes from one generation to another for hundreds of years. In this way, lots of unique skills are saved and the torch gets passed along. Maybe that’s why my mom chose to be a teacher and married my dad who’s also a teacher. Hundreds of times, my dad told me the best job for me is to be a university professor. Unfortunately, I have no interest in teaching. Sorry mom and dad, I probably will end to being an engineer instead of a teacher. I feel bad that I end the “family business”. Well, not really. I can make my son to be an engineer then and start my own business.
Nowadays, things get a lot better. But the whole family theory is still strong in the society. Once you have your child, you no longer live for yourself. You are living for your child. That’s the core of your life. At least my mom told me her life was changed the day I born. All she thinks of is about me. Parents spend so much on taking care of their children that they also expect equal payback. Usually, your first month salary is supposed to be given to your parents. It means you’re starting to make money and taking responsibility to support your parents. Health insurance in China is way worse than in America. Parents expect that they can live on their children when they get old. Also, children have the responsibility to take care of their old parents.
Thanks to my parents, I can have such a good education. It’s my goal in my life to let them have a wonderful old age.

Dozens of prospective students along with their family members attended Michigan Tech’s Preview Day last Saturday March 27, 2010. Campus organizations, faculty, and staff all made a biting contribution towards bringing out the interests and opportunities provided here at Michigan Tech.
Incoming students and parents alike were greeted with a warm welcome as they entered the Rozsa Center for Performing to gather their Preview Day handouts and brochures. “It was a fascinating experience,” says one parent. “The students and faculty made us feel very welcomed. They gave us a certain hospitality that you don’t see anymore.”
The event began at 9:00 a.m. and lasted until 4:30 p.m. A detailed schedule listed the particular events and activities that were going on within that day. A parent and student welcoming initiated the occasion with a short performance and by letting visitors speak with students and faculties about their experiences on and off campus.
Campus tours, information sessions and other various activities preceded the campus welcome. There were sessions given on student finances, scholarships, housing, internships, co-ops and more. Each session lasted approximately 45 minutes long and the event itself lasted from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
“I think it gives students a large amount of knowledge before entering campus,” says one of the students. “Many people here don’t know what to expect and that is what they fear the most. I think that these events clear up some of that fear.”
Visitors were also given the chance to explore some of the numerous organizations and chapters provided on campus. Organizations such as Engineers Without Borders, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Alpha Society were only one of many who showcased their experiences and activities.
When asked about the significance of showcasing these activities, Kevin Vayko responded, “It gives students a broad prospective on what they can do here. There is truly something for everyone and I think it is important for incoming students to know that. It acts as a sort of incentive.”
Other activities included information on service organizations, fraternities and sororities, religious activities, sports and the arts. These included film board, the international club, women’s soccer, Alpha Kappa Psi, and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship as well as many others.
Department tours were given to allow students learn more about their desired field of study. Students and parents had the chance to speak with faculty within that department as well as get an overview of some of the classes and labs they may be enrolled in. Faculty members and compass leaders also discussed some of the undergraduate opportunities in their field amongst other things.
Lastly, residence hall tours were given to those who prefer living on campus and in dorm rooms. Compass leaders spoke about the benefits and advantages of living on campus. One leader commented, “I think it’s a good start for first year students because everyone is so close to each other. Students can learn and interact easier that way.” Meal plans and residence hall assistants were also a topic of discussion.
A free lunch was given to visitors which lasted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the residence dining halls. A well-prepared arrangement of foods was given to guests as they visited during the weekend. Many parents enjoyed this opportunity to sit down and speak with their kids about their views of the campus.
Overall, visitors were very pleased with the hospitality brought out by the faculty and students. Many described the day as both exciting and knowledgeable.
For those who are unable to attend Preview Day, tours are given from Monday through Friday .To schedule a visit, contact the admissions office at (888) 688-1885 or schedule an appointment online by visiting www.admissions.mtu.edu.

In the Wadsworth hall lounge, several students were eagerly discussing plans and possibilities while behind them, other students were drawing. Muffins had been baked as snacks. It was a meeting for the fledgling student organization A.R.T., which stands for Art Revolutionizing Tech.
A.R.T. is a student organization dedicated to increasing the level of culture presented and available at Michigan Tech, as well as the creativity and appreciation of art within the student population. In the words of President and co-founder Sarah Piccard, the purpose is to counter the stereotype of boring engineers and “show more of the artistic sides.” Through this, they also hope to create a more friendly and more open campus as well as a greater feeling of community in the halls and academic buildings.
The organization started last fall semester when five students in the Pavlis Institute came together. One of their assignments in the course of their work in Pavlis was to design a sustainable project, and the desire for more art was a common calling to all of them. They created plans for the creation of the organization, and when they were finished they found that they felt strongly enough about the cause to execute the plan. They created a constitution and procured the proper funds, and created A.R.T.
The organization is very new, and as such its current projects are relatively small. Currently, they are in the process of obtaining postal-themed artwork to display near the mailboxes and placing a display case in the Wadsworth Hall lobby and cafeteria. However, these projects are not without challenges; much more planning is needed, as well as art contributions from students.
“We’re looking for people with art that they want to display around campus,” said Public Relations officer and Co-Founder Joe East. A.R.T. States that they have the means to display artwork and are willing to order prints and display artwork with or without name at the wishes of the sender. In return, willing students would be able to have their art displayed and receive visibility and publicity on campus when they otherwise might not be able to.
The criteria for art that is to be displayed is that it is appropriate; the hall or building manager must approve of any artwork. Within those conditions, however, Joe said that the organization is “looking for any art.”
So far, A.R.T. has had some success and some plans that could not be executed. One of the ideas that A.R.T. had was to set up bulletin boards in the cafeteria that anyone could post artwork to.
However, that was dismissed due to difficulties obtaining permission in addition to problems protecting students’ artwork and maintaining the board. However, A.R.T. has also gained some influence; Housing asked the organization to help provide artwork and input for the new residence suites that are in construction behind McNair Hall.
Joe encourages students to join A.R.T. He says that work is on a volunteer basis, and students can expect to get out what they put in. “If dedicated, [students] can do incredible things.” He extends an invitation to everyone to come to a meeting, which are regularly held every other Wednesday in the Wadsworth Cafe at 6:00 PM..

When people ask me what my major is, two options for a response pop into my mind. I can tell them I am a Social Sciences major with a concentration in Law and Society or I can mumble something indistinct and make an excuse to leave before I suffer any embarrassment. When I glanced at the latest enrollment statistics for Spring 2010, I felt very alone. Only 38 students share my major; just a handful share my concentration. Not having mathematics or science in my curriculum is a challenge at Michigan Tech, one I expect to keep confronting until graduation.
The most common accusation I face from engineers is having a “fake major”. Unless my tuition bill and countless hours spent writing papers are a figment of my math-deprived imagination, I am fairly certain my major is indeed real. Some say that my major is easy and is only in place for those who find engineering too difficult. Judging by the spelling and grammar on friends’ Facebook stati and the scrawling on whiteboards, I have serious doubts as to whether some would fulfill the expectations of my major without some difficulty.
Without going into the depths of the various types of learning and ways of measuring academic success, I believe many students at Michigan Tech have a very fixed idea of what constitutes a difficult or easy major. Usually if a bubble sheet can accurately measure it, a subject is worth studying. If, however, the measurement is a bit more abstract or subjective, the subject becomes simple and obsolete.
I assure you, I do not believe this prejudice is directed only one way. I have seen many humanities majors turn up their nose at calculus or engineering and bury themselves in Milton, pausing only to sip their latté or green tea, believing that they are in pursuit of “what really matters”.
Surprisingly, the constant testing of my major’s worth has actually been beneficial. Being barraged with negative criticism has caused me to question the validity of my subject many times and constantly have I reaffirmed my belief in the importance and legitimacy of my major. Had I gone to a small, liberal arts college, I would be bombarded with positive feedback and collegial propaganda, which would never tempt me to explore studies outside my own. It is important to be tested; the more faith is shaken, the stronger its foundations become.
I will say that as frustrating and difficult as Algebra and Calculus have been for me, my most challenging class has been without a doubt Creative Writing.
I am sure many people choose the class looking for an easy A. If one fills their journal with nonsense and completes the assignments on time, an A wouldn’t be too difficult to achieve. But to do well in the subject is an entirely different matter.
Academia is ill-equipped to judge success of students who pursue less measurable forms of study, such as Creative Writing. Throughout the semester I have been continually frustrated, not with the grade that appears on the computer, but with the merit of my work.
To be one of only 38 students in my major, which is large for non-technical students, can make one rethink choice of schools. But I have always had full confidence in the curriculum and faculty in my department. Michigan Tech provides a quality education, whther you’re an engineer or an artist.
Additionally, my program is small enough that class sizes are kept to a minimum. Professors and advisors are also extrememly accessible. Although my computer lab is the smallest on campus, I’ve found comfort in old-house smell and piles of unwanted books mounded around the computers. The maze of offices (known affectionately as the “rat warren”) in the Academic Office Building has become as familiar to me as the faces within the cramped rooms.
There is certainly no supremacy of one subject over another. Engineers and authors alike change the world, who is to say which is superior? I would like, however, to be able to tell people my major without them having to suppress a smirk or a giggle.

Dear Editor,

Harvey Milk said, “I cannot prevent anyone from getting angry, or mad, or frustrated. I can only hope that they’ll turn that anger and frustration and madness into something positive, so that two, three, four, five hundred will step forward, so the gay doctors will come out, the gay lawyers, the gay judges, gay bankers, gay architects … I hope that every professional gay will say ‘enough,’ come forward and tell everybody, wear a sign, let the world know. Maybe that will help.”

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Dear Editor,

Harvey Milk said, “I cannot prevent anyone from getting angry, or mad, or frustrated. I can only hope that they’ll turn that anger and frustration and madness into something positive, so that two, three, four, five hundred will step forward, so the gay doctors will come out, the gay lawyers, the gay judges, gay bankers, gay architects … I hope that every professional gay will say ‘enough,’ come forward and tell everybody, wear a sign, let the world know. Maybe that will help.”

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Listen up engineers! You may be smart, creative and productive, but you can also be a bit arrogant. I’m sorry, but it’s true. After all, engineers make up the majority of Tech students (about 55 percent), and I’m certain it’s hard not to get a big head with such a large population base. However, please remember that there are other majors here at Tech that often get the shaft. So what if we’re not designing new products or improving upon existing ones? We are just as important as you.

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There are many stereotypes about student-athletes: easy academics, egotistical personalities and party lifestyles. In many cases, these stereotypes are true, but in the case of senior football wide receiver Keith White, none of the above is true. White owns a 3.97 GPA in mechanical engineering. He has a soft-spoken, humble persona. He is active with his church and maintains close ties with his parents and 10 siblings.

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David Karnosky, one of Michigan Tech’s premier scientists and mentors, died Friday, Oct. 24, at his home in Chassell. He was 59.

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Michigan Tech’s enrollment exceeded its goal of reaching 7,000 this year. It seems that the University is receiving well-deserved recognition; Michigan Tech has so much to offer to its students.

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